General Motors has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2014-2015 Chevrolet and GMC trucks and SUVs. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, these vehicles may have an ignition lock actuator manufactured out of specifications. The problem, combined with warm ambient temperatures, could make turning the ignition key difficult and/or the ignition key could get stuck in the start position. If the vehicle is driven with the key stuck in the start position a significant jarring event or cooling of the ambient temperature could result in the ignition snapping back into the accessory position, shutting off the engine, power steering, power brakes, and airbags. Continue reading
Tag Archives: ignition switch defect
Agreement Reached Over GM Ignition Switch Problems
General Motors and the Department of Justice (DOJ) reached a settlement last week over the handling of GM’s ignition switch problems which led to the high profile recall of certain Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G-6 and Saturn ion lines in 2014. The agreement ends the government investigation into how GM handled faulty ignition switches being blamed for approximately 250 injuries and 124 deaths. In addition to a $900 million fine, GM has been assigned an independent monitor to review its safety policies.
Officially, the automaker was charged with hiding the defect from regulators and defrauding consumers. There will be no individual charges in the case, and the agreement must still be finalized by the courts.
Volkswagen Routan Repeated Repair Attempts
Certain 2009-2010 Volkswagen Routan owners will be contacted by the manufacturer about a problem with their vehicle ignition switch system. These vehicles may experience inadvertent ignition key displacement from the “run” to the “accessory” position while driving. If this happens, the engine will turn off, depowering various key safety systems including; airbags, power steering, and power braking. The loss of these systems may increase the chance of injury during an accident. Continue reading
GM Ignitions Switches Stuck In The “Start” Position
Owners of certain GMC, Chevrolet, and Cadillac trucks and SUV’s will be contacted by GM concerning a defect that could result in unexpected loss of engine, steering, and brake power. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the ignition lock actuator outer diameter may exceed specifications. If the vehicles interior ambient temperature is sufficiently high, the key may bind making it difficult to turn and potentially becoming stuck in the “start” position. Cooling interior temperatures or a significant jarring event may result in the ignition lock cylinder moving out of the “Start” position and into the “Accessory” position, shutting off the engine. Continue reading
Chrysler And Dodge Minivan Ignition Shuts Off
Drivers of certain 2008-2010 Chrysler and Dodge minivans and crossover SUVs could experience an unexpected engine shut off while driving over rough roadway condition or when the driver accidentally bumps the vehicle key Fob. According to reports filed on the NHTSA website, when the vehicle is started, the key FOB could over travel and hang up between the ON and ACC detents of the ignition. Continue reading
Ignition Switch Problems For Buick, Cadillac, And Chevy Cars
General Motors continues to expand their recall for ignition switches that could unexpectedly shut of when the ignition key is bumped or when driving on rough road conditions. The problem has resulted in unexpected loss of engine power and can affect power steering, power braking, and airbag deployment. Until the problem can be fixed, drives are asked to remove all items from their key ring leaving only the vehicle key. Continue reading
Could Push Button Ignition Become Standard On Automobiles?
GM’s ignition switch problems have raised the question of whether push button ignition systems may be safer to use in automobiles than the standard keyed ignition. Key-less ignition systems have been used in luxury cars since the 1990’s, and most of today’s automobile manufacturers offer them as an option in approximately 72% of their vehicles sold today. Continue reading
GM Faces Fines For Ignition Switch Safety Problems
A record fine of $35 million U.S. will be paid out by GM after a government investigation into how GM handled the recall of 2.59 million vehicles over faulty ignition switches. GM’s agreement with regulators also includes significant changes into how the automobile manufacturer reviews safety problems and decides when to issue a recall.
- G.M. will be required to meet monthly with regulators and provide a list of every safety problem under consideration, as well as report on any new communications with their dealers.
- The company must also improve information sharing across its different units, make recall decisions more quickly and revise its analysis practices to improve the ability to identify safety issues.
